The Paint That Glows

Ava found paint with a promise on the lid:

It glows in the dark.

Four coins, all the coins she had. Mum checked it was suitable for their cardboard rocket. Ava chose it.

At home, Louis painted stars. Ava's lightning shape became a wobbly space river. Louis added a bridge.

They followed the instructions and waited for the paint to dry. While they waited, they drew a moon.

At last Mum dimmed the light.

It glows in the dark.

Their cardboard rocket shone. Ava held out her arms.

“Next stop,” she whispered, “the bridge.”

We travelled there in our imaginations.